Chris Wood scored twice in Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 victory over Leicester City, as the New Zealand striker handed Foxes manager Steve Cooper a disappointing result against his former club on Friday. Ryan Yates opened the scoring in the East Midlands derby at the King Power Stadium before Jamie Vardy equalised for Leicester. The in-form Wood restored Forest’s lead and struck again, marking his seventh goal in nine matches this season. Forest’s second consecutive win elevated them to fifth place in the Premier League.

Forest have suffered only one defeat in nine league matches this season, affirming the club’s decision to part ways with Cooper and appoint Nuno Espírito Santo as a sound choice.

This was Cooper’s first encounter with Forest since his sacking in December. The 44-year-old had spent two years managing Forest, lifting them from the foot of the Championship back to the Premier League after a 23-year absence, before his dismissal with the club hovering above the relegation zone.

Nuno ultimately guided Forest to safety, while Cooper was appointed by newly promoted Leicester during the close season, replacing Enzo Maresca following the Italian’s move to Chelsea.

“It’s self-inflicted, no doubt about that, and it’s on us. We all have to take responsibility for how the game unfolded. We made poor errors for the goals,” Cooper admitted.

“It’s a setback after winning a few games prior to this. We have to accept it.”

Forest’s first win at Leicester since 2013 was a satisfying sight for Nuno, who watched from the press box as he served the second match of a suspension.

“Chris deserves his plaudits. He’s been exceptional. He’s very honest, and he gives everything for us on the pitch,” Nuno said.

“It’s not about the league table. This group is determined to progress and to bring enjoyment to the fans. We see these players’ hard work every day, and we demand a lot from them.”

Forest ignited a thrilling first half in the 16th minute, taking the lead after a costly error from Leicester.

Facundo Buonanotte hesitated instead of clearing the ball, leading to a deflected effort from Wood and a mishit clearance from James Justin. Yates seized on the loose ball and curled a low shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.

Vardy Remains on Target

Leicester responded emphatically as Vardy drew them level in the 23rd minute. Harry Winks delivered an inviting cross into the Forest six-yard box, and Vardy slipped between two defenders to score from close range in typically predatory style.

Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen pulled off a brilliant save to deny Nicolas Dominguez’s close-range volley when it appeared certain to find the net. Hermansen also stopped Callum Hudson-Odoi’s powerful strike from the edge of the area.

However, the Dane was beaten again in the 47th minute when Wood deftly controlled a pass from Elliot Anderson and swivelled to finish with precision into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

Leicester’s appeals for a penalty were waved away after Vardy went to ground following a slight tug from Nikola Milenkovic.

That proved to be a pivotal moment, as Wood capitalised on poor defending to score again on the hour mark. A long clearance from Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels was misjudged by Leicester’s Wout Faes, allowing Wood to loop a close-range header over Hermansen.